California's prosperity depends on its young people having a fair chance to thrive and succeed. This will require opportunity for all, including the 70% of young Californians who identify as people of color.

But a disproportionate number of California’s boys and young men of color experience failing schools, run-down neighborhoods, poor health, inadequate social support, and limited job opportunities.

It’s time for California to invest in the success of our boys and young men of color, not just as a matter of fairness and equality, but for the economic strength and competitiveness of our state.